The famous KA-BAR combat knife has been used from WW2 through Korea, Vietnam, Grenada, both Gulf Wars and on to Afghanistan. Favored by SFs and some HRUs worldwide. The one here is the original 7" of 1095 carbon-steel with a clip-point and leather-washer handle. Modern versions are now made double-edged, drop-point, tanto, and so on with carbon-vanadium and a Kraton non-slip rubber handle. The name KA-BAR comes from a letter to the Union Cutlery Company about how one of their knives saved a trapper's life when he was attacked by a bear and his rifle jammed. He used the knife to kill the bear. The last part of the letter was barely legible so KA-BAR comes from the phrase to "Kill A BeAR"! The KA-BAR was adopted by the USMC in Nov 1942 and then later by the USN. Although a supreme fighting knife, the Germans had theirs too, mainly out of Solingen Germany. Eickhorns and Pumas with a Fallschirmjaeger anti-gravity knife too. Today the Bundeswehr uses an Eickhorn and sometimes the Glock 81 for HRUs. Puma's best combat knife is reserved for KSK and is much stronger and durable than a KA-BAR. It's HRC rating is much higher. The Germans also are pioneering crystal steel knives that are illegal to possess for civilians. This is an impregnated steel that cuts with both edges and both sides as well. Please note that although the Union Cutlery Co, of Olean, NY claims to have made the KA-BAR, it aquired the manufacturing rights from Pennsylvania German knifesmith partnership, Tidioute Cutlery that went out of business. The famous "Kentucky Rifles" of US history were also made by Pennsylvania German gunsmiths. FYI...

Note: Best swords in the world are made in Toledo, Spain and the best knives IMHO are from Solingen, Germany (Custom Damascus steel blades included)!!!